India Squad Finalised For World Cup 2019? Ravi Shastri Responds

Team India further showed their credentials as World Cup-contenders with a clinical win over New Zealand in the fifth ODI on Sunday. The performance would do the team’s confidence a world of good as they won the game in testing conditions without their talismanic skipper Virat Kohli. What would further please the team-management that the middle-order stepped up when the team needed it the most.

Batting first in the swinging conditions, India were in all sorts of trouble after their top-order failed again. India were reeling on 18 for 4 when Ambati Rayudu and Vijay Shankar joined hands to steady the ship. The two shared a 98-run stand to stop the rot and lay the foundation for a challenging total. Shankar departed after scoring 45 but Rayudu went on to complete his fifty and missed well-deserved ton by just 10 runs.  Hardik Pandya then provided the finishing touches with a whirlwind knock. The allrounder slammed 45 off just 22 balls with the help of five sixes as India recovered from 18 for 4 to post 252.

In reply, New Zealand were all out for 217. Mohammed Shami gave India a solid start by dismissing both New Zealand openers with just 37 runs on the board. One run later, Pandya sent back Taylor to put India on top. New Zealand never really recovered from the setbacks and were eventually all out for 217.

With India winning yet more ODI series, the big question ahead of the remaining five matches leading to the World Cup 2019 is – has India found their winning combination for the tournament? Well, head coach Ravi Shastri thinks so. Speaking after the game, Ravi Shastri said that while the team still needs to look at one or two places, the squad is more or less decided for the World Cup.

“I would think so. There will be still one or two places you will look at. In general, the team more or less picks itself. What you want is people not to lose their form with five games left before the World Cup. You in fact should pick every opportunity you get and make the most of it. And that is why I like the way Rayudu played today. This was the best game of the five matches, because from 18 for 4 to win the game, the way we did and Rayudu in particular. He batted like a millionaire in the last game,” said Ravi Shastri in conversation in the Star Sports broadcaster show.

India will now play a three-match T20I series against New Zealand before hosting Australia for three T20Is and 5 ODIs.